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1. The Committee notes the brief indications provided by the Government in answer to its previous direct request. It notes that the structual adjustment programme which was being negotiated when the report was prepared was to further the objective of promoting employment, in particular by creating small and medium sized enterprises. The Government acknowledges, however, that there has been delay in implementing measures for the retraining and occupational reintegration of workers made redundant and the long term unemployed. The Committee hopes that in its next report the Government will provide fresh information on measures taken to mitigate the social costs of adjustment, particularly in terms of employment. The Government is asked in particular to indicate the action taken as a result of the ILO technical cooperation project on support for the private sector.

2. The Committee notes the Government's assurances that it will take the necessary steps to ensure that representatives of all those affected, including in the rural and informal sectors, are consulted concerning employment policies, in accordance with Article 3 of the Convention. It trusts that in its next report the Government will indicate how effect is given to this provision of the Convention, which is of particular importance in the context of structural adjustment.